America is not a Gun

America is mountains, prairies, and oceans.

America is a people

with courage

with joy

with its share of sadness and shock.

America is cities, towns, and rural populations.

America is community

with pot lucks

with open-air cafes

with a diversity that is celebrated.

America is parks, open-spaces, and fields.

America is a lover of creation

with farming and ranching

with hiking and biking

with kids playing in fountains and cricks

America is more than the news.

America is in the still small moments

with holding that shaking hand

with stopping to help someone who is stranded

with sharing your sandwich because they don’t have one.

America is not a gun.